Can Batteries Freeze?

December 30, 2013 at 9:23 AM

Cold temperatures have once again dipped deeply into the mid-section of the United States. When that happens, folks in those states become familiar with the challenges their Canadian neighbors to the North face every winter. Batteries can and do freeze when the temperatures drop low enough. Even OPTIMA batteries are not immune to this, although they are protected from freezing well beyond beyond what a typical flooded battery can withstand. Our YELLOWTOP batteries are protected from freezing down to -30°F and our REDTOP batteries are protected all the way down to -50°F.

However, that protection is only good if the batteries are fully-charged. For YELLOWTOPs the fully-charged voltage level is about 13.0-13.2 volts, for REDTOPs, fully-charged voltage is about 12.6-12.8 volts. When batteries have a voltage level lower than their fully-charged state, they are more vulnerable not only to freezing at warmer temperatures, they can also be susceptible to sulfation, which diminishes both capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintenance device an excellent investment for any vehicle that doesn't see regular use. Protect yourself this winter and be sure to check the voltage of your battery and charge it with a battery charger if it seems low.